Looking for answers to life's questions

I thought I had loads of time to get it all done. Every year the same thing happens. I hear everyone commenting about the stores getting ready for Christmas in September, not even waiting till Halloween is done. Well let me be very clear here, three and a half months is not enough time for me.

All are welcome here

Somehow, and I can’t imagine how it happens, Christmas is creeping up on me with less than four days to go. Where the heck did all the time go? It was there just a minute ago.

Could it have gone here?

Snow barely covered the ground but kids were enjoying every drop.

The first snow this year. I spent too much time watching the children play in it from the sewing room window where I should have been working.

Oh, to be a kid again.

Could it have gone here?

It all froze. First time in the last 4 years we have had this much snow and freezing rain.

Our second snow this season brought the city of Portland to its knees. The aftermath is beautiful but the 3 hour ride to cover the 22 miles from the airport after picking up my son complete wore us both out. Cars were littered over all the roads and interstate. No one was prepared for the amount of ice on the roads. My son, the expert driver, got us home without bending anything.

Nothing but gray skies as far as the eye can see.

It sure is pretty if you don’t have to leave the house.

I’ve been busy working on things, some of which I can’t show you right now. Shh, they are presents. Here is one I made for my son’s birthday last month at his request.

My son has a great sense of humor

I had a tiny photo of my tree skirt on a previous blog and a better photo was requested. I have more started but the details I add take a great deal of time. I think I’ll start on them next month.

The whole tree skirt

Lots of added detail like the gold bows sewn on before it’s assembled

There is a spot to hide a gift under the heart.

My son flew home for Christmas and collecting all his belongings to move them into a shipping container on a friends piece of property. The shipping container was less expensive than a year’s storage fees and when it’s no longer storage for his things, it can be used as a shop and work space. So along with the Christmas decorations and preparations, we are getting ready for another shuffling of stuff and moving it. Not the best time of year for it but storage unit fees are getting astronomical. Is anyone starting to question our sanity?

Someone has to make use of these things.

I also made time to walk my daughter through a project she wanted to do and we were flying by the seat of our pants with no real pattern. We made it up as we went and it turned out pretty good for her first time. She likes using my machine so I can hover and calm when fear arises. It’s a gift for a hard to gift friend of hers. We are both proud of her.

Daughter sewing on moms machine is so much better than at home alone with hers

A gift for a cat loving friend

The back of the pillow for easy washing.

I still have a dozen projects to finish in the next three days. What are the odds? Will the baking get done? How about you?

Is Christmas creeping up on you like a cat stalking a bird or are you ready to smack it down?

Every year it looks different

Old treasures and the box I painted years ago.

A closer look at the wreath I made

I had a lot of these to sew names on, in the meantime…

Bear has been in the family since 1987? I think.

Since I most likely won’t get another chance, I’m wishing you all the joy this Christmas season can bring and hope that the New Year will bring a new start and peace in your heart.

Comments on: "Creeping" (62)

Wow! Your neighborhood looks just as snowy as ours did! We too had kids sledding and playing in the snow. It does seem like Christmas sneaks up on us every year, doesn’t it! My solution at this point is to pick up gifts on my travels and outings throughout the year. It makes it easier, and all I have left to do is fill in the gaps with a few little things.
Have a wondrous Christmas Marlene! 🎄

It’s quite impressive for Portland. Our city is not equipped for this kind of weather. I can’t remember the last time it happened. Fortunately, I have 4 wheel drive and my son is an expert driver so we were out shopping the next day. Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderfilled holiday season as well.

Marlene, that snow is really something. I’m happy to hear you made it home from the airport without incident. I can’t begin to imagine driving in those conditions. I’m glad the container will serve as more affordable storage, but oh what a time to make the move. Once his items are out, will you down size your storage space or will you be able to do away with it altogether?

Your Christmas skirt is gorgeous! You are a wiz with your machine. I love that you have a little hiding space for a gift. That’s genius.

It’s nice to see your daughter working on a project at your machine. The cat pillow fabric is charming and her work looks top notch. Her friend will be tickled, I’m sure.

This year got away from me too. I had new clients, lots of social engagements all stacked up in one week and put off my post office visits for too long, which translates to long lines. We ordered photo cards early, but the order was delayed. Then they sent the cards, but not the special envelopes with the flowers and our return address. They finally arrived Monday, so now I’m ridiculously behind. But…it’s all getting done

Your amazing effort at hand made gifts is impressive. I did that many years ago, and I miss it.

Thank you, Alys for the kind words on the tree skirt. There is a space under each heart to stash something should you choose to do so. I want to finish the rest I started. 😦 If all his stuff fits in the truck, (I have serious doubts) we will do away with storage altogether. Otherwise, he will have to come back after moving the rest into a smaller unit. I will get rid of anything that won’t fit in my home. Simplify is the operative word here. I hand make things because I have more time and materials than cash. The house took most all of that. Last year was like someone took a siphon to my checking account so there you have it. Everyone gets homemade. 🙂 I get a lot of cards after the holidays. Going to start making mine New Years cards. Had to go to the post office for TS this week. My sister dropped my off and I looked at the line deciding it was time to learn how to use the self serve machine. Another technology conquered. 🙂 Toes are under the covers as I type. Been stitching on binding for 3 hours already. I’ll get it done in time. I think I can, I think I can. 🙂 Merry Christmas, Alys. Hugs.

Well, you might be struggling with this time thing just like me – someone has stolen a whole pile of mine! – but my goodness what you are doing is most impressive, that tree skirt looks amazing! I just love all the little extras and embellishments. Surely it will become an heirloom? I crocheted one last year, ran out of time and said I’d finish it for this year – guess what? 🙂 In the meantime the cat has adopted it and ruined it – that’s my excuse anyway……… A white Christmas Marlene – isn’t that something!! Will you go caroling with little bells a-jingling and all that? I would!! It’s not much fun driving on icy roads though, so take care – let Tech Support take you everywhere 🙂 People are building versions of tiny houses – or slightly larger little houses – using containers as the basis now – some of them are absolutely amazing. Who knows where this might lead! Have a happy Christmas Marl;ene with your little family. Stay a t home and keep warm, have a relaxing time and spoil yourself xoxo

Ah, Pauline. I can always count on you to make me laugh. You warm my heart. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one with a time thief. Didn’t you make that tree skirt just for Orlando? I thought so. Yes, I have let Tech Support do all the driving. Snow is all gone and most of the ice. It doesn’t stay too long around here. Yes, you never know what the shipping container will become. My son has done a lot of research on making homes out of them and is terribly inspired. Have a Happy Non-Christmas this year too Pauline. I will spoil myself mightily in 2 weeks time. 🙂 Giant hugs.

Oh my gosh! Where is Guinness when you want them? I haven’t heard of anyone who is ahead of it and all done. Wow! I’m going to come and take lessons. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Christmas to you. Hugs

I seems to me that you’ve gotten TONS accomplished! Your tree skirt is simply spectacular–it would seem a shame to cover it with wrapped packages! And the other decorations look festive and nostalgic–well done. We, too, have a layer of ice over everything–it’s a big drama to get to the car. My sister even needed a tow truck last week, to pull her out of a snow bank! Anyway, good luck with your last-minute preparations–it will be OKAY if not everything gets finished!

Thank you, Kerry for all the wonderful, kind words. The presents come out from under very quickly and then the tree still looks nice until it comes down. I am so sorry your sister got stuck in a snow bank! That is so scary. I saw so many doing that and it broke my heart. I’ll get done what I can, the rest, well it will not get done. 🙂 I do manage fairly well for a tippy old lady. 🙂 Merry Christmas.

Dear Marlene, nothing to worry about! Your welcome sign is gorgeous and what can be more important than saying Welcome..no baking lives up that! Watching children play is ALWAYS more important than work. Moving stuff never happens when its convenient (law of nature) Your tree skirt is gorgeous, your son is a hero driving like that and is your daughter wearing a viking helmet??? Your house is warm and Christmas cozy and you live there…what else would visitor want? Have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you a super 2017 together with your loved ones! xo Johanna

Thank you so much for all your kind words, Johanna. Yes, that is a crocheted cap with Viking horns. My daughter wears it all winter and forgets it’s there. Adds a bit of whimsy to her life and starts lots of conversations with strangers. She’s 1/4 Swedish, 1/4 German and the rest is a giant mix. And yes, I do count my blessings everyday. They are ever expanding. The kids outside had the best time in that snow. So the gift isn’t finished till after Christmas. 🙂 I’d do it all the same way again. You are right, watching kids play is more important. Have a Merry Christmas with your wonderful family too. Hugs, Marlene

Your tree shirk is absolutely beautiful, Marlene! You should start a business. 🙂 LOL! Like you have the time.
I agree, Christmas did sneak up on us this year, but I’m ready!
Merry Christmas to you and yours! xo

Thanks for the compliment, Jill. Sewing as a business is a non profit endeavor. 🙂 I may have time when I get to age 80. I’m still not ready. Have been stitching on binding since 4:30 this morning in my bed so the gift can’t be seen by the receiver. 🙂 At least it’s toasty warm here. I’ll get back to it shortly while he watches a movie. Have a Merry Christmas yourself and so glad you are ready. Hugs,

It looks like you are ready for Christmas, Marlene! Snow and beautiful, handmade gifts and decorations are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Your tree skirt is absolutely gorgeous! I love the special place to hide a little gift! 🙂

I’m not feeling ready yet, but I am checking things off my list each day. Today I will be busy in the kitchen making sweet treats for the neighbors. I’ve also been making lots of special memories with family and friends. We have had several snowstorms and Arctic temperatures in the Midwest all month. So, it really looks and feels like Christmas everywhere we go!

I’m so happy that you will have your son and daughter there for a nice, family Christmas! Please take a bit of time to pamper yourself in your favorite way. You are such a dear!
Warm hugs for a wonderful Christmas, Marlene! ♡

Thank you for stopping by, Dawn. I’m close to being ready. Maybe by the 26th or 27th. 🙂 Or the next week. I know about those temps in the Midwest. Lots of family living there. Brrr! I will pamper myself big time for New Years, maybe. Still need to help the kid pack out. Love making sweet treats for the neighbors. Banana and pumpkin bread are done. I give those to the mail lady and delivery people as well as neighbors. Still have baking to do along with a few more sewing projects. It’s tough to have so many friends. :))) And I like to spoil my family too. Have a Merry Christmas too, Dawn. Giant hugs.

That’s a great tree skirt. We get snow like that every winter, it’s a pain. Now in our temporary quarters we can’t get the car out or down the hill, sheets of ice on the slope. I saw someone try it and slide sideways down the alley into the wall of a building. I wish I could have gotten containers and a place to put them, the storage has killed any resources i had and I can only pray I’ll have enough money by the 1st to keep everything. They insisted that a container had to be purchased then they rented you the space it sat on which ended up being more expensive than storage units, at least here. Always something it seems. I’m done with whatever gifts for Christmas, really only one for the spouse. It’s a lot easier and I didn’t have to shop, made it with yarn I already had. The tree, ornaments and other decorations are in storage buried someplace. It’s going to be a very strange Christmas here, but I’ve got heat this year so that’s a major plus.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year!!!

Thanks for stopping by. It is hard when you are in temporary living spaces. I’ve done a lot of that and don’t want to do it again. It is hard to watch people sliding into something. We don’t normally get these kinds of weather conditions so we tough it out till it’s over. Heat is a big thing. Glad you have it. Take care and have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year as well.

Your tree skirt is wonderful! You are so talented. I tried sewing many years ago, I have no patience for it though. I’m better at painting. 😉 I can cover my mistakes!
Have a wonderful Christmas my dear and look for an email at some point today. Big huge Christmasy hugs! ❤

I think I should try painting. Never thought about covering my mistakes so much more easily than with the sewing. I had no choice but to learn. 2 kids and no money. 🙂 Figured it out quick. Merry Christmas to you as well. Big squishy hugs.

Thank you so much, Sheryl. It was fun to make and I have several more started. They take a bit of time so who knows. Each one is unique. It will be a quiet family Christmas this year and maybe get together with friends after. Have a Merry Christmas too.

What am I doing, reading about tree skirts, sewing, and shipping container houses from my couch where I should have been napping? “I spent too much time watching the children play in [the snow] from the sewing room window where I should have been working.”

You are cracking me up here, Albert. I thought you’d like to come along for the 3 hour ride to cover 22 miles from the airport. Talk about a time suck. I’m thinking at some point, my son is going to be living in that shipping container so stay tuned for details. Right now, I need a nap too. Started sewing at 4:30 am since I’m hiding what I’m working on. It’s soft and warm. Now where is that pillow. Have a very Merry Christmas too. 🙂

Uh-oh, i must have nodded off. I meant to put a lot of words between my question and that quotation from your very nice letter to the world. Now I cant remember what I was going to say, except that it had to do with how much I like reading certain types of blogs–ones about life rather than about ideas. In some ways they are even better than4 books because, as your son’s sign says, they aren’t perfect (complete) and the missing parts make the writing more compact, like poems–but with well-placed photographs for imagery. The rhythm comes from the speaking voice. And there are titles for curiosity and focus. I sometimes think blogs are another literary form. But I hope noone thinks to analyse them in schools,or to set up graduate programs for future blog writers. That would ruin everything.

Thank you so much for your kind words, Albert. I prefer blogs that are real life as well. I’m not educated well enough to do or understand poetry. A gaping hole in a nomads education. No graduate programs for me. It’s a little late in my game. Hope you have a rich and Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas! I actually feel like I’m in a pretty good place with getting things done this year, though for the life of me I have no clue how I’ve managed to do it. The shirt you made for your son is something I would wear, hilarious! And your tree skirt is absolutely gorgeous. ❤

Thanks so much, Kat. I usually do better than this year. Don’t know why I’m so far behind but that’s how it goes. I’ll do what I can. The rest gets let go. He had the shirt already since I buy lots of blanks. He loved the sentiment. I loved making the tree skirt. I want to make more if I can find the time. 🙂 Hope your Christmas is extra Merry especially since you are ready.

Merry Christmas Marlene! Everything look infused with love and is a reflection of you, warm and welcoming! We’re off to bed shortly but I wanted to ensure to visit and Cheer in the Holidays with you.
It’s really surprising how much snow you have. We’re getting a rare sprinkling today and most of the evening. Jim and I went out to sing for Julia and record the lights on our street. It seemed pretty warm out. Warm being -15C, LOL.
I think anything above -20C is very pleasant providing there’s no wind. We’ve gotten off pretty easy this year but there’s still lots of winter coming our way. I wrapped gifts today and watched ‘Finding Dory’ and that’s about all I had time for. Whatever’s missing will not be making it into the scene LOL. Sweet dreams dear one, have a happy Christmas xoxox Love Kelly. Oh BTW, I got your beautiful card and sent a private FB message. Mwaaaaa!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. I miss seeing you popping in. You add so much light to the day. At least that card arrived on time. No more hand written addresses for me. We are having a very unusual winter here. We have MORE snow coming in on the 3rd of Jan and it will snow for a week. That’s the week my son will be loading up and driving a U-Haul back to the mountains of Arizona and probably going through much snow all the way. I think we got one tiny bit of snow all year last winter and the last 4 have been much the same. This will be one for the books. Now, I must put the turkey in the oven and let it roast as I have a full house for dinner but not so full as last year. They are coming in daily shifts this year. Christmas will last through Tuesday. 🙂 Have a happy Christmas Day! Mwaaaa right back at you with giant squishy hugs!

Merry Christmas morning, Marlene! I’m enjoying a quiet moment with coffee and blog visits before the household awakens.
I’m so glad you and your son arrived home in safety. It sounds as if you will have a houseful, and I’m hoping that laughter and contentment will abound, even though there will be plenty of time in the kitchen.
Enjoy your holiday, Marlene, and thank you for sharing your life with me, with us!
Oh! and yes … Christmas crept up with stealth on my this year!

Stealth is the operative word here too, Laurie! No more GETTING ready. Yes, into the kitchen I go. They will come in shifts this year. Some today, some tomorrow. Hope your Christmas day is warm and cozy too.

Marlene.. Well you got there in the end I bet.. 🙂 So many wonderful Hand made gifts, just the sort of pressies I love to recieve.. 🙂
I loved ALL of your photo’s Marlene.. and you had snow!! always makes it more Christmassy..
Good that your and your Son made it back ok through it from the airport.. And I can see why those containers are so much more appealing then paying for storage too.. 🙂

I Hope you enjoyed a Wonderful Christmas Marlene..
🙂 And it passed by again ALL to quickly as did its arrival..

Sending you Mega Hugs for a Wonderful and Happy New Year, may it be filled with Love, Health and Happiness .. As I wish you Peace and Joy..
Love and Blessings
Hugs Sue xxx

Thank you so much for your well wishes Marlene.. Today New Years Day the best I have felt in a while.. On the mend now and looking forward to 2017 and New Beginnings.. xxx ❤
Sue

Thanks so much, Sue. This is the first year I’ve almost been too exhausted to fully enjoy it. So glad you are on the mend..Trying to get him packed out of here ahead of the next snow but he has mountain ranges to drive through.I will be doing a lot of praying through the end of this week. Be well and enjoy a bit of down time. Giant hugs, Marlene